BILL SUMMARY

This is a definitions bill that clarifies that the words “husband,” “wife,” “father,” and “mother,” when used in a statute, are to be given their ordinary meaning based on the biological distinctions between men and women.

BILL ANALYSIS

Provides additional guidance for courts as they review statutory language and consider legislative intent when dealing with parties asking them to re-define “husband” or “wife” or substitute the gender-neutral term “spouse” or to define “father” or “mother” as “parent” – effectively removing biology and procreation as inherent and integral to the family and family law for legal purposes.

Provides guidance for courts as they review statutory language and consider legislative intent when dealing with parties asking them to (A) redefine “husband” or “wife” or substitute the gender-neutral term “spouse” or (B) redefine “father” or “mother” in non-biological ways or substitute for those words a new, non-biological term “parent” – effectively removing biology and procreation as inherent and integral to the family and family law for legal purposes.

Family Action Council of Tennessee

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